Who should make use of the comparison? – both newbies and pros
Poker is popular among mainstream casino gambling disciplines. Not only is the game fun, but it allows gamers to play for substantial wins, regardless of how small their stakes may be. Plus, being an intellectual game, poker gives you a chance to display your cognitive brilliance! Of course, our gambling experience is likely to go up a notch if you wager at the best poker site for real money. But how will you know which one it is? The good news is despite your skill level, there’s a poker site for you. The following groups of poker fans will likely benefit from comparing the different poker sites to wind up with the best one.
Poker newbies
Poker doesn’t discriminate, and that’s why people new to the game appreciate it. If you’re a first-timer, you’ll benefit from joining free poker tournaments. Once you get the hang of the game and are confident enough to wager real money, pick the best poker site for real money designed with the new player in mind.
Such operators offer tables specifically for new players. That way, you can enjoy the game at your skill level. In addition, you need to compare the bonuses on offer. Look for sites that offer attractive bonuses to new players, such as the coveted poker no deposit bonus. That’ll beef up your bankroll to give you more wagering chances while you learn the ropes and get comfortable. It’s also worth your while to compare which sites offer the best beginner-friendly tips, so you can master the game quicker.
Advanced poker players
If you feel ready enough after some practice, you’ll graduate to the advanced gamers’ category. Once you fall under this category, your measuring stick for finding sites that allow poker for real money online, shifts slightly. First off, you may find yourself drawn to platforms that offer numerous tables for speedy gameplay. Because such platforms allow you to play more hands rapidly, you get to rake in your win or loss quickly. Also, this is an excellent time to compare the type of bonuses and promotions offered by each site. The best platforms will go out of their way to provide users with attractive loyalty packages and rewards.
Operator checklist: 5 things we look for when rating operators – a tested approach
The sheer number of sites that offer opportunities to play poker for real money online is mind-blowing. But while it’s good to have options, it makes choosing the right platform a daunting task. Lucky for you, we’ve done most of the legwork. Our team of experts spent hours reviewing real money online poker platforms. You can trust that any operator we recommend passed through a stringent qualifying checklist that’s both objective and comprehensive. To be considered the best online poker site for real money in our books, an operator should impress in one or more of the following areas:
Licensing
Before we even start indulging an operator’s lavish poker deals, we pace through its legitimacies. Is the poker for real money online platform legally permitted to operate in the US? Mind you, we’re not big on hearsay. Instead, we prefer to work with facts by uncovering the exact licensing body and associated license numbers. In our experience, the best online poker site for real money operating above board has no problems disclosing this information. In fact, the best legal online poker sites readily display such licensing details on their official websites. Sure, it may be in small print, but it’s there.
Security
Following closely behind the licensing aspect is the site’s security offering poker for real money online. We can even go as far as saying licensing and security go hand-in-hand. Remember that you’ll be wagering your hard-earned money on such platforms. You want the assurance that your finances are protected. The same goes for any sensitive information you share on the site. The best online poker site for real money ensures this area is covered as best as possible. How? Employing data encryption technology is an excellent place to start. In addition, poker platforms that allow independent auditors to inspect their operation are trustable.
Term and conditions/privacy policy
An operator’s privacy policy or terms and conditions reveal everything you need to know about the site. Regrettably, most poker enthusiasts skimp on this information. Our team of experts leaves no stone unturned and goes through the T’s& C’s with a fine-toothed comb. We strongly urge you to do this same. You’ll find out how different poker websites deal with bonuses, registrations, account cancellations – the works. Knowing this information will ensure no “surprises” are sprung your way.
Rewards and loyalty program
Poker can be very engrossing. Before you know it, you’d have spent hours on a gaming platform. As long as you’re gambling responsibly, that shouldn’t be an issue. But we’re more concerned about whether the site rewards you for your wagering efforts. The best poker site for real money offers exciting reward and loyalty programs for loyal gamers. In such cases, you may earn points for each wager. After accumulating a certain number of points, you trade them in for exclusive rewards.
User reviews
We’ve been reviewing sites that offer poker for real money online long enough to know not to rely solely on what operators say about their sites. Given how competitive the online poker market is, operators will always sugarcoat a few things when marketing their platforms. That’s why we love to hear what user reviews say about different websites, good or bad.
Editor’s recommendation – the best operator – PokerStars
Uncovering the best poker site for real money from the bunch, isn’t child’s play. At first glance, all poker sites seem identical. But here at TheGruelingTruth.com, we always scratch below the surface. After reviewing a considerable number of real money poker platforms, PokerStars came out tops.
If you evaluate the site based on our checklist mentioned above, you’ll notice how the operator ticks most of the boxes and is a perfect fit for players of any skill level. Firstly, it’s a legitimate poker site allowed to operate in the US. It holds a valid gambling license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority, license number MGA/B2C/213/2011. The site is also licensed to operate in several states in the US. As far as security is concerned, communications between customers and the operator are encrypted.
PokerStars displays its Privacy policy for all to see. The operator highlights player privacy, data collection, and conditions for processing player information. Loyal gamers on the platform won’t go unnoticed. Players can join the PokerStars Rewards program and earn points for every $1 in rake paid. You can also access exclusive tournaments and high-stake cash games.
For the most part, PokerStars reviews online are positive, with most punters agreeing that it’s an upstanding poker site. But, of course, you’ll find some players who have a bone to pick with the operator. As such, they may not necessarily think of PokerStars as the best poker site for real money for one reason or the other.
Finding the right operator for you – the best poker for real money online experience
At the beginning of our review, we mentioned the different types of poker fans that’d find our helpful guide. Whether you’re still finding your footing in poker or consider yourself a legend in your own right, there’s a poker website for you. Because poker fanatics have different gaming styles, habits, and bankrolls, TheGruelingTruth.com, covers a broad range of poker for real money online sites. Some platforms strictly focus on poker, while others diversify their gambling offering to transcend into other niches. Whatever your gambling preference, we have got you covered. The goal is to help you choose the right operator for your individual gambling needs.
Bookmaker reviews
Would you like to align yourself with a real money poker platform that also offers sports betting? Lucky for you, there are countless sportsbook reviews to go through. The majority are classified on a state-by-state basis to make sifting through the reviews easier. Apart from touching on different sportsbooks, our guides also highlight the legalities of sports betting in the respective states. A good number of sportsbooks are reviewed according to the promo and bonus codes. Players big on sportsbook bonuses and promotions will find such reviews handy. Then you’ll have other bookmakers reviewed in terms of payment methods. Regardless of what you’re after, you’ll find a site that resonates with your individual gambling needs.
Casino reviews
Poker falls under casino games. It’s only fitting if you want to join a platform that not only specializes in poker but offers other gaming categories such as slots or table games. If that’s you, feel free to select your preferred casino from our long list of operators. Again, some sites are reviewed according to different states to help you pick an operator licensed to operate in your jurisdiction. Our platform also offers objective and comprehensive reviews of casinos that accept real money wagers. If selecting a casino based on the type of bonus on offer is more up your alley, simply go through our casino bonus & bonus code reviews.
5 ultimate tips for using the best operators – and enjoy the ultimate poker gaming
Since platforms that feature poker for real money online are this guide’s focus, it’s only fitting to reiterate that users can select an operator for poker using our guides. But choosing the best poker site online is only the first step of a long quest. You need the know-how to enjoy the best poker gambling experience once you find the best operator. If you’re not sure where to start, hopefully, the following crucial tips will help you enjoy a rewarding gaming experience.
Only play when you’re in the mood
Our first word of advice is to only play poker if you’re in the mood. Poker is a fun game, but it can also get quite emotional. Whatever happens, avoid placing bets out of frustration or anger. Instead, only sit around an online poker game when you’re happy and level-headed. Don’t forget that poker is a game of strategy. You’re more likely to make sensible decisions when you’re happy, focused, and keeping things light-hearted.
If it’s your first attempt at the game, you want to ensure you’re working with enough information. Take the time to familiarize yourself with poker rules, positions, and poker hand ranking. Playing a poker game without the necessary knowledge pretty much equates to going into battle unarmed.
With most poker games, you’re limited on the number of starting hands you can play. Make sure you play fewer hands, regardless of your skill level. Playing too many starting hands is the fastest way to drain your bankroll. Instead, aggressively play a close range of strong hands.
When playing online poker, there’ll come a time when you won’t be sure whether to call, fold, or raise a bet. Granted, poker is also a game of luck as much as it is a game of skill. But should you find yourself faced with such uncertainty, your best bet is to fold. Such a bold move can save you a couple of dollars, better than trying to satisfy your curiosity with a call or raise.
Conclusion – rounding off
Poker is a game that commands a considerable following from online gambling enthusiasts. That’s why you’ll find several sites that allow poker for real money online. However, figuring out which platform to register with is a bit tricky. You could adopt a trial-and-error approach and blindly single out an operator. But taking your cue from the list of comprehensive reviews at TheGruelingTruth.com is an infinitely better approach. We not only unpack different poker sites but the best casinos and sportsbooks. Even so, finding the best poker site for real money is only half the job. You’ll need to adopt a few experts’ tips outlined in our guides to make the experience more rewarding.
Our favorite bonuses
Poker For Real Money Online FAQ
♠️ Are online poker sites legal?
It would be naïve of any player looking to play poker for real money online to assume that every platform is above board. If you go through our guides, you’ll notice how we include licensing among the different metrics we use to evaluate operators. After legitimacy, you should check out the security aspects, also highlighted in our review. Only after the site checks against the checklist outline in our guides can you consider it safe.
🏆 Which is the best poker site for real money in the US?
Even though several sites allow you to wager on poker for real money online, you won’t find all of them appealing. Different players have different gambling styles. What you may deem the best operator may fall short in another punter’s eyes. Choosing the best poker site is a matter of preference. But our guides outline important evaluating criteria you can use to steer you in the right direction.
🥇 What poker strategies can I adopt to win?
Poker is undoubtedly a game of skill and it’s safer to arm yourself with the necessary knowledge before playing a game of poker. And that’s regardless of whether you join the best poker site for real money on the market. If you take the time to go through our reviews, you’ll notice how we list five important tips you can use to up your game. These include anything from playing fewer hands to learning the game rules and everything in between.
💯 How do I pick the best poker site if I’m a new player?
Like with any gambling niche, you’ll find skilled players and those that are just starting. If you’re something of a pro, you’re better off looking to wager at sites that offer poker for real money online to new players. Some platforms, however, design their service with the novice poker player in mind. If you go through our guides, you’ll notice how we list a few key areas such operators focus on, including offering zero deposit bonuses.
